A woman has revealed what it was like living on a volcano for a month, tackling 50 mile-per-hour winds, electrical storms and hypothermia.
Perla Tijerina, 31, from Saltillo, Mexico, spent 32 days living on Pico de Orizaba, the highest mountain in Latin America, located 5,636m – or 18,491 ft – above sea level. Her stint on the slopes ran from March 15 to April 17.
Now back down from the towering dormant volcano, a terrifying task for most, the adventurous woman has revealed how she got through it.
‘Even though there were very difficult days, in which I thought I was going to die, I was able to push through,’ Perla told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
Perla Tijerina, 31, from Saltillo, Mexico , spent 32 days living on Pico de Orizaba, the highest mountain in Latin America, located 5,636m – or 18,491 ft – above sea level
Now back down from the towering volcano, a terrifying task for most, the adventurous woman has revealed how she got through it
‘Even though there were very difficult days, in which I thought I was going to die, I was able to push through,’ Perla told NeedToKnow.co.uk
At times, Perla struggled against violent winds, electrical storms, hypothermia and sickness in the mountains, but continued to power through
Perla was determined to finish her goal of 32 days up the mountain, persisting through the worst nature had to offer
‘I really thought it was going to be worse, but most of my days were perfect.’
At times, Perla struggled against violent winds, electrical storms, hypothermia and sickness in the mountains, but continued to power through.
The adventurer added: ‘It was scary when I would fall in the tent.
‘And also the gusts of wind, they would be up to 50 miles per hour!’
Perla was determined to finish her goal of 32 days up the mountain, persisting through the worst nature had to offer.
Before beginning her adventure, Perla underwent frequent medical and psychological checks.
A psychologist assured her she was prepared for any physical dangers but warned her about the mental strain the quest may have on her.
‘The psychologist told me, “You are very prepared for everything, even for an emergency, but mental preparation is essential, because a promotion is very different from those you have undergone to be in solitude in 32 days,”‘ she told local news outlet Imer Noticias.
A psychologist assured her she was prepared for any physical dangers but warned her about the mental strain the quest may have on her
Perla revealed that she employed various tactics on the mountain to keep her mind busy. She explained: ‘I was never alone, I had too many books to read, and I spent time meditating’
Perla says she feels like a completely different woman after her challenging trip
‘I feel like I’m capable of doing anything I set my mind to. It’s made me really appreciate life and everything it offers me,’ Perla says
The climber began venturing to the top of mountains five years ago and set out to conquer Pico de Orizaba
Perla revealed that she employed various tactics on the mountain to keep her mind busy.
She explained: ‘I was never alone, I had too many books to read, and I spent time meditating.
‘I also had the bible that I liked to read to keep me spiritually and mentally strong.’
And now, Perla says she feels like a completely different woman after her trip of a lifetime.
She mused: ‘I feel like I’m capable of doing anything I set my mind to.
‘It’s made me really appreciate life and everything it offers me.
‘I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, eating delicious food, sleeping well, and I feel like an unstoppable person, I am a mountaineer who never stops.’
The climber began venturing to the top of mountains five years ago and set out to conquer Pico de Orizaba.
She came up with her volcano camping challenge after realizing she wanted to test her mental strength and personal determination.
She said: ‘That is what led me to carry out this great challenge.
‘I want to be an inspiration for all those women who are looking for a motivation that encourages them to continue making an effort, to be constant and not to give up despite the obstacles.
She came up with her volcano camping challenge after realizing she wanted to test her mental strength and personal determination
‘I want to be an inspiration for all those women who are looking for a motivation that encourages them to continue making an effort,’ Perla says
She also shared her journey on Instagram, where she uses the handle @perlatijerina_ has over 3,600 followers
‘I feel like an unstoppable person, I am a mountaineer who never stops,’ Perla says
‘It was an unforgettable experience and difficult to digest.
‘Thank God, I returned home safely and I was able to finish the challenge.’
She also shared her journey on Instagram, where she uses the handle @perlatijerina_ has over 3,600 followers.
In one video, she revealed her camping spot and showed off the stunning view of the mountains, gaining over 2,600 views, hundreds of likes, and many encouraging comments.
User Jorge commented: ‘Do not give up, we are with you!’
Someone else said: ‘I wish you the best of luck in what you’ve set out to do.’
Another fan added: ‘CONGRATULATIONS!’
‘Excellent,’ commented someone else.
‘Inspiring,’ said Guarav.
‘Wow go Perla, of course you’re going to make it!’ Angie added.
In a recent Instagram story, the mountaineer revealed that she has been reunited with her mother since coming of the mountain. She also posted a photo of herself enjoying a well-deserved glass of wine.
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